Liverpool one step closer to signing Arsenal target

Javier Manquillo has only made 17 appearances for Atletico Madrid but he is considered as one of the brightest prospects in Spain. Only couple of weeks before, reports emerged from Spain that Arsenal are showing a keen interest him and want to secure a season long loan deal for the full-back.

Mundo Deportivo even suggested that Arsenal are demanding to include a clause in the deal, where they can sign him up permanently next season. All these stories only gave a strong indication of how much Arsenal were interested in him.

Now, Spanish newspaper AS are claiming that Liverpool are showing an interest in him and are now leading the race to sign the 20-year-old. The youngster wants regular game time under his belt while the motivation of playing in the Champions League also remain a key factor for him choosing Liverpool over Arsenal.

The Gunners have already signed Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle United this summer and therefore Manquillo may struggle to get regular game time, which he craves for.

Atletico could be willing to do a business here as the Rojiblancos are about to sign Zenit’s wing back Anzaldi. The Argentina would come to make up for the departures of Filipe Luis, Manquillo and quite possibly Insua, who’s looking for a new club since he’s not part of Simeone’s plans. Anzaldi is a versatile defender who can play both as left and right back. That way, Atletico are looking to manage to cover up two spots with one signing.